Would you like to make your iPhone work for you? With the iOS Shortcuts app, you can automate repetitive tasks and save tons of time. This feature, which has evolved significantly since its inception as Workflow, now integrates much more advanced capabilities that allow you to chain actions, execute voice commands with Siri, or even automate everyday functions. Let's take a look. How to create shortcuts on your iPhone.
In this guide we will teach you in depth how to create shortcuts step by step on your iPhone., how to customize them to fit your daily routine, practical examples, and tips for troubleshooting common issues. If you already know the basics, here you'll also discover little-known tricks and useful shortcuts you can implement today.
What is a shortcut in iOS and what is it used for?
A shortcut in iOS is a automated sequence of actions that can run your iPhone with the touch of a button or a voice command via Siri. From sending messages, opening apps, and changing settings to performing complex tasks like converting images, recording audio, or quickly accessing hidden functions.
This feature is managed from the Shortcuts app, already installed by default on iOS and iPadOS devices. This app allows you to create custom shortcuts or choose from a gallery of pre-designed shortcuts. that Apple and other users have shared. To learn more about how to use the Shortcuts app on iPhone, you can check out our complete guide.
What is an action inside a shortcut?
The actions are the basic blocks that make up a shortcutEach action represents a specific command the device must execute: turning on power saving mode, opening a website, sending a message, starting a call, etc.
The key is to link these actions sequentially. to build workflows tailored to your needs. For example, a shortcut can open Maps, calculate your route home, activate "Do Not Disturb," and play your favorite playlist. All with a single tap.
Practical example: Shortcut to get back home
Let's look at an example that many people might use: when we leave work, we send a text message home, activate "Do Not Disturb" mode, and start listening to music with our headphones.
This flow can be converted into a custom shortcut in just a few steps:
- Open the app Shortcuts on your iPhone.
- press the symbol "+" to create a new shortcut.
- Choose «Add action».
- Find and add the action "Send Message".
- Write the message, for example: “Hi, I'm leaving work and heading home :)”.
- Select the contact to whom the message should be sent.
- Disable the option "Show on run" so that the message is sent automatically.
- Add a new action: search "Do not bother" and select «Activate Do Not Disturb».
- Add another action: search Play podcast and select your favorite podcast.
- Give the shortcut a name, such as "Go home", and press OK.
This shortcut appears in the section My shortcuts and you can run it from the app, from a widget, or simply by saying: “Hey Siri, go home”.
How to run shortcuts quickly
Shortcuts can be executed in many ways:
- From the Shortcuts app itself.
- With Siri saying the name of the shortcut.
- From widgets on the home or lock screen.
- Automatically, by setting them up as automations (for example, when you get home or at a certain time).
In iOS 17, widgets allow you to run shortcuts directly without having to open the app. If an action requires interaction, Shortcuts will open and request the necessary input.
The best shortcuts available in iOS 17
Apple has improved the Shortcuts experience in iOS 17, adding many new automations. Here's a selection of the most useful and popular ones:
Super power saving mode
Ideal for when you're running low on battery. This shortcut Modify various settings such as brightness, connectivity, and wallpaper to extend your iPhone's battery life. You can activate it manually or schedule it to start automatically when it reaches 30% battery.
Find nearby gas stations
Perfect if you drive often. When activated, Locate gas stations around you using Maps and shows immediate directions to get to the nearest one.
Take Me Home
This shortcut Open the route to your home on maps, show the estimated time and play your favorite music playlistIdeal for coming home relaxed after a long day. Requires a good internet connection.
Water Exject
If your iPhone gets wet, this shortcut Emits high-frequency sounds to expel water from the speakers. Useful if you've gotten splashed in the pool or shower. You can activate it with Siri.
Emergency Recording
Activate this shortcut so that Start a 5-minute audio recording and save it to Dropbox. It also sends an alert to a contact. It's a useful way to secure evidence in critical situations.
Anti-theft device
This shortcut Forces guided access and leaves only the calculator available, preventing the thief from accessing the rest of the device. It displays a message with your contact information while it's locked.
Quick access to ChatGPT
With the S-GPT shortcut you can Ask questions directly using ChatGPT from your iPhone. You just have to set it up from iCloud.
Open Spotify playlist
Activate this shortcut to directly open your favorite Spotify playlistYou can set this up in Siri settings by saying, “Hey Siri, open my favorite playlist.”
Dictate and share
This shortcut converts your voice to text and allows you to easily save it. It's perfect for taking quick notes without having to type.
Create custom wallpaper
With Wallcreator you can generate a random background with your favorite colors, without using any external apps. A unique and safe way to change the look of your iPhone.
Delete duplicate photos
If you have many repeated images, this shortcut scan your gallery and remove duplicates, freeing up space without losing your valuable memories.
Share WiFi with QR
Allows generate a QR code of your WiFi network that your guests can scan to log in without typing the password.
Quick photo without opening the camera
Say “Hey Siri, Say Potato” and this shortcut will take an instant photo with the camera you defineVery useful if you have your hands full.
Add portrait effect to any image
With the shortcut Add Portrait Effect you can apply background blur in images that were not originally taken in portrait mode.
Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi seriously
Tired of your Wi-Fi turning itself back on? This shortcut lets you permanently disable WiFi and Bluetooth from quick access, without going into settings.
Safari Auto Scroll
This shortcut Automatically scrolls pages in Safari, ideal for reading without touching the screen. You can adjust the scrolling speed to suit your reading pace.
WhatsApp Shortcuts for iPhone
There are also useful shortcuts for WhatsApp. One of the most well-known is send messages to numbers that are not in your address book. You can create one like this:
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+”, name the shortcut, and tap “Add Action.”
- Search for “Open URLs” and enter wa.me/.
- Set “Ask every time” to customize the destination number.
Another option: download the shortcut Open in WhatsApp to write the phone number without adding it as a contact.
You can also use shortcuts to send automated messages, such as a “Good morning” to several contacts with just one touch.
How to create your own custom shortcut?
If you want to do something completely tailored to you, you can create your shortcut step by step:
- Open the Shortcuts app and tap “+”.
- Click “Add action.”
- Select any available function: send message, open app, play music, etc.
- Add all the actions you need.
- Press OK to save the shortcut.
Remember, you can launch it with Siri or assign it to a button, widget, or automation. To learn even more about Siri's options and how to use them, check out our article on how to use Siri on your iPhone.
What to do if shortcuts don't work for you?
If a shortcut does not run correctly, can be due to a variety of reasons. Here are some solutions:
- Make sure it's well configured. Review the sequence of actions.
- Activate the option “Show when sharing” if it doesn't appear from other apps.
- Check the permissions in Settings > Shortcuts > Advanced and activate them if necessary.
- Delete and recreate the shortcut if it appears to be corrupted.
Shortcuts in iOS offer an incredible level of customization and efficiency. From simple tasks like sending a message to complex workflows that manage your daily routine, Your iPhone can become a powerful productivity toolIf you haven't tried this feature yet, now's the perfect time to start.